Rhinos star Hardaker faces ban

Dave Craven

LEEDS RHINOS full-back Zak Hardaker could miss Thursday’s vital First Utility Super League game at Wigan Warriors after being charged with a dangerous throw.

The England international is deemed to have made a Grade B dangerous throw (tip tackle) on Travis Burns during the leaders’ 46-18 win over St Helens, a challenge he was yellow carded for in Friday’s game.

Hardaker, 23, could be hit with a two-game ban if he faces the disciplinary tribunal tomorrow although that would be reduced to one match if he accepts an early guilty plea (EGP).

Elsewhere, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats prop Mickael Simon has no such option so he will attend that tribunal after being charged with two Grade B offences of raising his knees in a tackle against Hull FC last Wednesday.

Hull front-row Mickey Paea will face the panel, too, on a Grade C dangerous throw on Wakefield’s Danny Washbrook in the same fixture so he is in danger of missing Sunday’s game with Castleford Tigers and, most importantly, the following week’s derby against Hull KR.

Ex-Castleford hooker Daryl Clark has been charged with making Grade A dangerous contact on Wigan Warriors player George Williams during Warrington’s win last week but the reigning Man of Steel has an EGP option as does team-mate Ashton Sims who is charged with Grade B punching on Danny Williams in the same match.